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Crime & Safety
Its a common thought to light up a property to deter crime and increase safety. However, light does not deter crime, thoughtful lighting does. Thoughtful lighting can also increase safety and relieve much "fear" of crime as well. But using light as our only preventative is a common shortfall that tends to only increase crimes at night. Learn about the ways lighting increases crime and ways we can reduce it through thoughtful lighting.
Ineffective Lighting
Overly Bright Lights
Lighting with very high lumen output can create harsh shadows and reduce our natural night vision. Harsh shadows form when bright light strikes an object without illuminating the space behind it. The shadows are not technically darker, but the contrast between bright and dark areas is greater. This makes those dark pockets attractive places for criminal activity.
By flooding an area with overly bright light, we not only create these shadowed hiding spots but also make it difficult to see beyond the illuminated zone. Excessive brightness damages our night adaptation and limits our ability to spot movement or activity in the surrounding darkness. Criminals who are noticed rarely linger in the light. They move toward darker areas, where they can no longer be tracked visually if our lighting is too intense.
Always‑On Lights
Lighting that stays on all night does not necessarily deter crime. It can even reduce vigilance by blending into the background of everyday life. A porch or yard that is always lit becomes part of the scenery. Neighbors may not notice unusual activity because the light is no longer a signal that something is happening.
In contrast, a light that switches on unexpectedly is far more likely to draw attention. Motion‑activated lighting can prompt you or your neighbors to investigate, adding another layer of community watchfulness. It can also startle someone in the midst of committing a crime, prompting them to leave the area immediately.
Effective Community Solutions
If you're a city planner or just have plans to install lights on your property, know that lighting is not just a simple purchase that requires little thought outside of the aesthetics of the fixture itself; its much more. By adopting the 5 Smart Light Principles and Principles of CPTED we can create a safer community while also preserving our dark skies.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
"Crime Prevention Through Environmental design, also known as CPTED, is a strategy that brings together community members to examine how an area’s physical design can influence human behavior, reduce crime, fear of crime, and improve quality of life. CPTED uses various tools to evaluate environmental conditions and utilize intervention methods to improve space and how it is used. Whether it is new construction, existing construction, green space, schools, businesses, or neighborhoods, CPTED strategies have proven to be successful" - The National Institute of Crime Prevention
CPTED utilizes "light" within one of core pillars of the strategy but does not use it as the pillar itself. Realizing that light in itself does not reduce crime, but multiple connecting standards do.
The Four Pillars of CPETD - NCIP
Natural Surveillance – Designing spaces that maximize visibility to increase informal observation and social interaction.
Territorial Reinforcement – Creating clear boundaries that foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.
Natural Access Control – Structuring spaces to guide movement and reduce opportunities for unauthorized access or activity.
Maintenance – Ensuring that spaces remain clean, orderly, and cared-for, which signals active use and deters neglect or crime.
To learn more on CPTED see the video below as a better explanation or see the NCIP website to look into Professional CPTED classes.
St Paul, MN use of CPTED Do's & Don'ts
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